For most Americans, traffic is merely an inconvenience – albeit one that can drive them to their wits' end. However, many people don't realize that gridlock throughout the U.S. costs drivers thousands of dollars each year. Not only does the constant stop-and-go traffic drain your gas tank, but the time spent in a car and away from a productive place also negatively affects your wallet and sanity. 

Traffic poses major problems
INRIX recently released the details of its latest report, which focused on the facts and figures surrounding traffic gridlock. According to the data, the annual costs associated with traffic will jump by almost 50 percent by the year 2030, bringing its total cost to around $293 billion. 

"This report shows that advanced economies could be heading for 'car-maggedon​,'" said Kevin Foreman, a general manager at INRIX. "The scale of the problem is enormous, and we now know that gridlock will continue to have serious consequences for national and city economies, businesses, and households into the future." 

In fact, many individuals are already paying for gridlock. The report found that the annual cost of traffic for an American household is about $1,700, and that could climb to as much as $2,300 by 2030. Idling in traffic also proves costly for the environment, as approximately $300 million worth of carbon emissions are lost each year. 

Planning for traffic 
Savvy drivers can make a few concessions that should help them avoid traffic gridlock – and the costs associated with it – in the future. INRIX recommended using navigation services that help individuals find traffic-free routes or nearby public transportation stops instead of sitting in gridlock. More advanced technologies that allow cars to identify crowded areas and avoid them may also assist owners in saving money. 

While some residents of urban areas like New York City may just resign themselves to a life of public transportation, there are still plenty of opportunities to find used cars without a hassle. New Jersey Auto Auction, for example, has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that can help any driver get around. Shoppers may even find a fuel-efficient or alternative option designed to save money in the long run.